Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders (synthetic and glass fibres) set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fibreglass.
Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders operate extruder machines. They observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions, load materials into machines, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates, stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected, and record operational data on tags.
Extruder machine operators move controls to activate, adjust extruder machines, observe flow across finish rollers, turn valves to adjust flow to specifications, clean and maintain extruder machines, record details of machine malfunctions, notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust the extruder machines.
Extruder machine operators require a high school diploma with previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. The skills required include operations monitoring, quality control analysis, equipment maintenance, operations and control, problem-solving, critical thinking, troubleshooting and social perceptiveness.
An extruder machine operator finds jobs in production assembly in manufacturing units, and their pay is commensurate to the nature of the work. They require knowledge of production and processing, mechanical, mathematics and design.
The job of extruder machine operators may carry hazards of working in factories, exposure to loud noise, and long working hours. Workers need to wear personal protection equipment.
To advance in this career, extruder machine operators require knowledge of computers and machine operating software and manual dexterity.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- NSQF Level 4 Extruder Operator
Tasks
- Remove excess, entangled, or completed filaments from machines, using hand tools.
- Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
- Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.
- Start metering pumps and observe operation of machines and equipment to ensure continuous flow of filaments extruded through spinnerettes and to detect processing defects.
- Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.
- Record details of machine malfunctions.
- Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
- Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
- Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
- Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
Progression Routes
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